Search form

Freeman Wins Distance National

Kris Freeman became the men’s 2013 U.S. Distance National Champion on Thursday at Royal Gorge Ski Area, California. Here's he is racing earlier in the week at the 2013 SuperTour Finals. (Reese Brown)

NORDEN, California (April 11) – Kris Freeman (Andover, NH) ended the competition season on a high note Thursday by becoming the men’s 2013 U.S. Distance National Champion. He set the pace for the majority of the 50k classic mass start race, but broke away in the last 10k lap and finished 30 seconds ahead of teammate Andy Newell (Shaftsbury, VT). Newell took the second spot and Einar Ulsund (Norway) of the University of Utah Ski Team finished third. This was the final race of the U.S. Distance Nationals and the final cross country race of the season for the U.S. Ski Team.

HIGHLIGHTS

Kris Freeman (Andover, NH) became the men’s 2013 U.S. Distance National Champion Thursday at Royal Gorge Ski Area in California.

He set the pace for the majority of the 50k classic mass start race, but broke away in the last 10k lap and finished 30 seconds ahead of teammate Andy Newell (Shaftsbury, VT).

Newell took the second spot and Einar Ulsund (Norway) of the University of Utah Ski Team finished third.

Tad Elliott (Durango, CO) lost a last-minute sprint to Canadian Knute Johnsgaard. Elliott finished the race in fifth.

Spring temperatures and plentiful sunshine provided a pleasant event for spectators, but created slow snow for the racers.

This was the final race of the U.S. Distance Nationals and the final cross country race of the season for the U.S. Ski Team.

HELP THE TEAMU.S. Ski Team athletes rely on the support of the American public - the U.S. Ski Team has no government support. If you believe in helping athletes achieve their goals, click here to support the team.